Swapping the UK’s usual grey skies for year-round sunshine is one of the biggest appeals of moving abroad. For many British expats, the thought of warmer weather, outdoor dining, beach days and a more relaxed lifestyle is a huge part of the attraction. But as recent record-breaking heatwaves across Europe have shown, adapting to hotter weather is no longer something only people moving to tropical countries need to think about. Heat is becoming more intense, more frequent and, in some places, more difficult to manage.

If you are moving to a hot country such as the UAE, Singapore, parts of Australia, the USA, Cyprus, Spain or Portugal, the climate can have a big impact on your daily life.  It can affect how you plan your day, what you wear, how you exercise, how you sleep, and even how you organise your home. The UK gave us a taster this May bank holiday, but adapting to hotter weather long term can still take some getting used to, especially during the peak summer months.

At United International Removals, we know that moving abroad is not just about packing boxes and shipping belongings. It is about preparing properly for a new way of life. This guide explains how to adapt to hot weather after moving overseas, with practical tips on staying safe, keeping your home comfortable, protecting your health, and settling into daily life in a warmer climate.

What You Need to Know

• Moving to a hot country takes time, so allow your body time to adjust.
• Sun protection, hydration and lightweight clothing are essential.
• Plan outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
• Air conditioning, shade and good home ventilation can make daily life easier.
• Simple habits like cold showers, frozen water bottles and listening to your body help you stay cool.

Adjusting to the Climate and Weather Conditions in Your New Country

There are many reasons to relocate abroad, but the weather is certainly something that sways many people into making the move. Sunshine, blue skies and rainy days being few and far between is enough to make anyone want to pack their bags and head somewhere new, but there are some adjustments that need to be made. When you move from the UK to a warmer climate – such as Australia, Spain or the UAE – you will need to adjust to hotter days, humidity and a lot more sunshine.

BBC weather presenter Elizabeth Rizzini has also highlighted the importance of taking heat and sun exposure seriously. Her advice includes seeking shade wherever possible, drinking plenty of water, and remembering that the cooling effect of the sea, a pool, or a breeze can be misleading, as your skin can still burn quickly. She also recommends wearing light, loose layers and a hat to help protect yourself during the hottest parts of the day.

1. Invest in High Quality Sun Protection

When you move to a hot country, one of the most important things to do is invest in high quality sun protection. The UV index in these countries can be very high, nothing like what you are used to in the UK, and painful sunburn can occur in just a few minutes. Stock up on suncream with a factor of at least SPF 30, but preferably higher, and clothing with UV protection. Hats and sunglasses are the obvious options, but long sleeved cover ups are also beneficial. Invest in lightweight, breathable clothing, such as items made using cotton and linen, and avoid dark colours. These will help your body to cool effectively.

2. Make Sure You Stay Hydrated

It’s very easy to be dehydrated when you are living in a hot country, and it often happens accidentally. To avoid this, ensure that you are staying hydrated at all times. In hotter climates, you are likely to sweat more, which means that you will need to drink more water to stay hydrated. It’s also a good idea to limit your alcohol and caffeine consumption, as these can dehydrate you even quicker.

3. Take the Time to Acclimatise

It’s essential to gradually adapt to a new climate, and don’t try to become a master at hot weather straight away. Initially, you might find the heat overwhelming, so spend short periods outdoors. You can gradually increase this time as you acclimate to the new temperatures. Don’t expect to adjust overnight. Take it easy for the first few days, especially if you’re moving during the hotter months, and slowly increase your exposure to the new climate to give your body time to adapt.

4. Make Small Adjustments to Your Daily Routine

In hot climates, it’s often cooler in the early morning and late evening, so make the most of this. A lot of people in these countries adjust their schedules accordingly, and it’s a good idea to follow suit. For example, it’s not uncommon to have a siesta in Spain during the hottest part of the day. Similarly, a lot of activities are indoors in the UAE. Try to adjust your schedule to make it as close as possible to the local norms. After all, the locals have experience of living in a hot country. This often means being active in the early morning and late evening and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities during the peak afternoon heat.

5. Embrace Air Conditioning and Insulation

Make sure that your new home has a good air conditioning system. This can make the difference between comfort and discomfort during the hottest parts of the day, and it will make it a lot easier to adapt to a new climate. Fans and natural ventilation can also make a big difference when it comes to keeping your home cool. Remember to close curtains or blinds to block out the sun during the hottest part of the day. Even though insulation is usually associated with keeping heat in, it also helps keep your home cool by preventing hot air from entering.

6. Make the Most of Local Cuisine

Local foods are often well adapted to the hot climate, so try to incorporate some local favourites into your weekly meal plan. In Spain, gazpacho, a type of cold soup, is a popular dish in summer. In the UAE, people consume dates and yoghurt-based drinks to stay energised and hydrated throughout the day. It’s also beneficial to eat light, nutritious and easily digestible meals, especially those that contain lots of fruits and vegetables, as they have high water content. Avoid heavy and fatty foods, as these are harder to digest and require more energy.

7. Listen to Your Body

One of the most effective ways of adapting and acclimating to living in a hot country is to listen to your body. If you’re feeling lightheaded, excessively tired or nauseous, you might be overheating or dehydrated. Don’t push yourself and ensure to take a break, cool down, and rehydrate if you need to. It’s a good idea to have regular medical check ups, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like heart disease or respiratory issues, which can be aggravated by heat.

Tips and Tricks for Staying Cool in a Hot Country

1. Freeze Water Bottles

Stay cool during the day by freezing water bottles overnight. You can carry them around during the day for a refreshing, cool drink, or use them as an ice pack to cool your body temperature. This includes freezing a “hot” water bottle for bedtime, to keep cool overnight! 

2. DIY Air Conditioning

If you are somewhere without air conditioning and you’re struggling with the heat, make your own DIY air conditioning. Place a frozen ice pack or a bowl of ice in front of a fan for a cool breeze.

3. Cold Showers and Foot Baths

Taking a cold shower or even just soaking your feet in cold water can help lower your body temperature and provide relief from the heat. Cooling pressure points such as the wrists, ankles, and the back of your neck are great areas to target, as these are where large blood vessels run close to the skin, allowing you to cool down much faster. 

4. Avoid Using the Oven

Instead of using the oven or hob, use alternative cooling methods to avoid heating up your home. Consider meals that require minimal or no cooking, such as salads, or use an outdoor grill or barbecue.

5. Use Reflective Window Film

Installing reflective film on your windows can help reduce the amount of heat that gets into your home. Simply, it reflects the heat back outside, helping your home or car to remain cool.

6. Use Desert Cooling Techniques

Ever wondered how people stay cool in the desert? They wear loose, long sleeved clothing, and stay in the shade as much as possible.

7. Open the Windows at Night

If it’s cooler (and safe) at night, open windows at midnight to let in the cool air, and then shut everything in the morning before the day heats up. This keeps the warm air out, and lets the night’s cooler air in.

8. Carry an Umbrella

You might think that saying goodbye to rainy Britain means not having to have an umbrella with you at all times, but they are just as useful in a hot country. An umbrella can provide personal shade and reduce direct exposure to the sun when you’re out and about, but also protect you from those tropical afternoon downpours!

9. Don’t Forget About Your Pet

 Pets can struggle in extreme heat, so it is worth planning simple ways to keep them cool throughout the day. Shaded areas, fresh water, good ventilation and avoiding exercise during the hottest hours can all make a big difference. For dogs, pet-safe cooling mats, frozen lick mats, fruit bobbing in water and dog-safe frozen treats, such as small amounts of Greek yoghurt, can help them stay refreshed.

Pet-care app Happy Pet also highlights the value of frozen treats and vegetables during hot weather, as well as making water more appealing with a very small amount of pet-safe flavouring, such as bone broth or salmon oil for dogs. Different pets will need different care, so always check that any food, treat or cooling method is suitable for your animal first. You can also find plenty of practical pet cooling tips on social media, especially from vets, animal charities and pet-care experts.

Moving to a hot country

Though moving to a hot country is a big change – let’s face it, extremely hot days are few and far between in the UK – it’s something that you can adapt and acclimatise to. This won’t happen overnight, and it might require you to do things a little differently than you are used to, but you will gradually find living in a hot country easier and easier, the longer you spend there.

If you’d like help moving to your new country, give the team at United International Removals a call. Every year we help thousands of expats and families move to enjoy a sun, sea and sand lifestyle no matter whether it’s in Spain, Portugal or further afield in places such as Dubai, Australia and Florida.